Pro Vélo Valais has chosen humor to try to improve traffic conditions for cyclists in winter. The rusty shovel competition was launched this Tuesday. The snowfall of recent days has once again demonstrated what the association has been denouncing for several years: cycle paths are not cleared well enough and are even used to pile up snow on the side of the roads.
The organization is calling on witnesses to send photos of impassable or poorly maintained bike lanes during the cold season. The municipality considered to be the least considerate will be given the title of “rusty shovel”. The one who has made the most effort will receive the “golden shovel”. Prizes will be awarded in early spring.
Despite an inquiry to the Grand Council in 2022 and numerous interventions with local authorities, clearance still proves insufficient in many Valais municipalities, writes Pro Vélo. “We see that old bad habits persist: soft mobility is considered a simple leisure activity practiced only in summer,” underlines Alexandre Bagnoud, president of the association.
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